Aussie young gun likened to Hawaiian master Andy Irons on way to grabbing Pipeline wildcard

THE teen likened to a young Andy Irons will make his World Surf League debut in the event dedicated to the Hawaiian former world champion.

THE teen likened to a young Andy Irons will make his World Surf League debut in the event dedicated to the Hawaiian former world champion.

West Australian Jack Robinson won the Pipe Invitational yesterday to claim his place at the Billabong Pipe Masters and could have a hand in determining the next world champion.

Robinson needed just one wave to claim the win and seal a place in one of the most prestigious events on the calendar.

The 17-year-old scored 9.43 after taking a high line through a tight barrel at the famous break, with his instinctual moves earning him comparisons to three-time world champion Irons.

Jack Freestone was knocked out in the quarter-finals.

Fellow West Australian Taj Burrow has likened the teen to Irons, a man who dominated in Hawaii, winning the triple crown four times between 2002 and 2006.

“There’s not a better 17-year-old on the planet who can ride the tube like he can, he’s as good as it gets,’’ Billabong teammate Burrow said.

“His style is solid too, he’s like a young Andy Irons. He loves surfing so much.’’

Robinson’s instinctual reaction to the Pipeline break had commentators agreeing with Burrow’s assessment.

“From those replays you can really see what Taj Burrow had identified with that reference to the style of Andy Irons,’’ Ronnie Blakey said.

“Really similar, just a natural when it comes to back end tube riding.

“Jack Robinson is 17 years of age and he’s already a much better tube rider than a lot of the surfers on the championship tour.”

Robinson has drawn world No. 3 Adriano de Souza and Michel Bourez in his Round 1 heat and could put pressure on the Brazilian world championship contender.

“I just wanted to get the best waves and go against the best guys but the trials were so gnarly,” Robinson said.

Robinson and Hawaii’s Jamie O’Brien claimed places in the Pipe Masters with their efforts in the final.

Gold Coast former world junior champion Jack Freestone was not as fortunate, bowing out in the quarter-­finals.